Many of us saw this coming a mile off, and now it's been confirmed that Avengers and Firefly director Joss Whedon has stepped away from WB's Batgirl movie, citing story issues. Click on to find out more...

The fan-favorite Avengers director was on board to helm and write the project, but decided to step away after failing to "crack the story".

Here's what Whedon had to say in a statement:

“Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story. I’m grateful to Geoff and Toby and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I… uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed’?”

Of course, there are going to be a lot of people that won't buy this as the reason - especially after the backlash both Whedon and the studio received for "messing up" Justice League - but whatever the case may be, the film will now likely be put on the back-burner while the search for a replacement begins.

Will that be a female director? Reports indicate that's what WB has in mind, at any rate.

What do you guys make of this news? Was it really that surprising? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know who you think should take the helm of Batgirl.

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